New snake exhibit now open
Posted: 10 Feb 2017
A huge welcome to our three newest residents – two Emerald Tree Boas (Corallus caninus) and a Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) – as they take pride of place in our new Snake Exhibit.
Both species look very similar because of their beautiful bright green colouring, although they come from completely different parts of the world – a perfect example of convergent evolution.
The Green Tree Python can be found up in the trees of rainforests around Australia. The Emerald Tree Boa will also be found high up in the canopy, but instead in tropical areas of South America. We are fortunate to have two Emerald Tree Boas, one a tiny juvenile just over a year old, and an older individual with beautifully developed white markings.
Lastly, a longstanding resident of the Living Rainforest – Lenny the Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) – lives in the largest enclosure of our new snake exhibit. Carpet Pythons are found on the forest floor in tropical regions of Australia, with their brown colouring acting as camouflage in the fallen leaves. They are also welcome house guests to many Australians, as they are very helpful in keeping rat populations in check.